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Cargo Ship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Cargo Ship information

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$13

$21

$36

How much do cargo ship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cargo ship in the United States is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by crew members working on a cargo ship?

Crew members on cargo ships often face challenges such as long periods away from home, adapting to life at sea, and working in a multicultural environment. They must also be prepared for physically demanding tasks and irregular working hours, including night shifts and extended duty during port operations. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the crew works closely together to ensure safe navigation, cargo management, and compliance with international maritime regulations.

What Are Cargo Ship Jobs?

Cargo ship jobs include any positions involved in helping container ships transport freight from port to port across the world. Some of the different jobs include the captain, officers of the watch, engineers, electricians, other skilled tradespeople, and workers in the steward’s department. Your duties in each of these jobs differ significantly. For example, as a deckhand or able seaman, you maintain a clean and safe deck, paint the ship, and haul cargo. Deck officers oversee the deck, set watch, and report any issues to the captain or other deck masters. As the captain, you oversee the overall operation of the ship.

What are cargo ships?

Cargo ships are large vessels designed specifically to transport goods and materials across seas and oceans. They are a vital part of international trade, carrying everything from raw materials like oil and coal to finished products such as electronics and vehicles. Cargo ships come in various types, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, each specialized for different kinds of cargo. The crew on a cargo ship is responsible for the safe navigation, operation, and maintenance of the vessel during its journey. These ships follow strict safety and environmental regulations to ensure efficient and secure transportation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cargo Ship Officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cargo Ship Officer, you need a solid background in maritime operations, navigation, and safety protocols, typically supported by a maritime degree and STCW certification. Familiarity with ship management systems, radar, GPS navigation tools, and cargo handling equipment is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help coordinate crew activities and ensure smooth operations. These competencies are crucial to maintain vessel safety, efficient cargo transport, and compliance with international regulations.
What cities are hiring for Cargo Ship jobs? Cities with the most Cargo Ship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cargo Ship jobs? The most popular types of Cargo Ship jobs are:
What states have the most Cargo Ship jobs? States with the most job openings for Cargo Ship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Cargo Ship job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,812 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Operator III, Equipment - Stevedoring

Operator III, Equipment - Stevedoring

Gulf Stream Marine

Corpus Christi, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Overview
A highly skilled operational role responsible for handling oversized, heavy lift, and over-dimensional cargo within terminal operations. Includes operating high-capacity equipment and specialized trailers for complex cargo movements, such as windmill blades and long steel products. Must demonstrate expert proficiency, situational awareness, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Required to be proficient in the safe handling and transfer of general cargo and other steel products and containers in the terminal, on and off trailers, in and out of vans, railcars and containers.
Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Completion of advanced equipment and vehicle operation training.
  • Demonstrated experience with oversized and heavy lift cargo handling.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of load dynamics and safety standards.
  • TWIC card required (or ability to obtain).
  • Reliable transportation and punctuality.
  • Ability to work independently and coordinate with multiple teams.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:
  • Frequent exposure to outdoor conditions, including extreme heat, rain, wind, cold, and humidity.
  • Requires standing, walking, climbing, bending, and operating heavy machinery and vehicles.
  • May involve lifting, carrying, and moving equipment or cargo.
  • Exposure to noise, dust, fumes, and moving mechanical parts.
  • Must adhere to all safety protocols and wear appropriate PPE.

Responsibilities
  • Operate PITs with capacities greater than 36,000 lbs, up to 50,000 lbs.
  • Safely operate the following equipment: Forklift (up to 50K lbs), Excavator, Bulldozer, and/or Reach Stacker.
  • Sort cargo ship-side during vessel discharge.
  • Load bundled and general cargo onto over-the-road and yard trucks.
  • Stack and nest cargo at the Place of Rest (POR), using timbers and chocking to prevent damage.
  • Handle over-length cargo (e.g., 60-foot steel pipe) in tandem with other machines.
  • Operate equipment onboard vessels and barges, ensuring safe practices for unattended machinery.
  • Maintain awareness of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, overhead hazards, and crane swing radius.
  • Comply with all safety procedures and operational standards.